Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£200–£400

Treatment cost

£500–£1500

Ongoing cost

£80–£150 per month

Severity

Serious

Treatable

Manageable

Species

Dogs

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus in dogs occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, meaning the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly. Most dogs develop Type 1 diabetes, which requires lifelong insulin injections. Without treatment, diabetes causes dangerously high blood sugar, leading to severe illness and potentially life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. With consistent management, many diabetic dogs live well for years.

Symptoms to watch for

See a vet soon

Drinking much more water than usual
Urinating more frequently or having accidents indoors
Increased appetite despite losing weight
Lethargy and reduced energy levels
Cloudy eyes (diabetic cataracts)
Sweet or fruity-smelling breath
Recurring urinary tract infections

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Blood glucose and fructosamine test	£80–£200
Full blood panel and urinalysis	£100–£250
Abdominal ultrasound (to check pancreas)	£150–£300

Treatment options and costs

Insulin therapy and ongoing management

£80–£150 per month ongoing

Twice-daily insulin injections are the cornerstone of treatment. Your vet will determine the correct dose through glucose curves (blood sugar monitoring over a day). Insulin, syringes or pens, and regular monitoring make up the ongoing costs. A consistent diet and feeding routine are also essential.

Initial stabilisation and dose-finding

£500–£1,500

When first diagnosed, dogs typically need several vet visits over 2–4 weeks to find the right insulin dose. This involves glucose curves, dose adjustments, and potentially a short hospital stay if the dog is unwell. The costs are higher in the first few months before settling into a routine.

Emergency treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

£1,500–£4,000

DKA is a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes requiring emergency hospitalisation with intravenous fluids, electrolyte correction, and intensive insulin therapy. Dogs typically need 2–5 days of intensive care. Prevention through consistent insulin management is far better than treating a crisis.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£80–£150 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Miniature Schnauzer	High
Pug	High
Beagle	Moderate
Labrador Retriever	Moderate
Dachshund	Moderate
Cocker Spaniel	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover diabetes?

Diabetes is covered by most lifetime pet insurance policies provided it develops after the policy start date. Because diabetes requires lifelong treatment with insulin, regular blood tests, and ongoing veterinary monitoring, a lifetime policy is essential – annual or time-limited policies will stop covering the condition after 12 months. Ensure your policy’s annual benefit limit is high enough to cover ongoing medication costs of £1,000–£1,800 per year, plus any complications such as cataracts or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Related conditions

Cataracts Dogs Cushings Disease Dogs Pancreatitis Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to manage a diabetic dog in the UK?

Ongoing costs are typically £80–£150 per month, covering insulin, syringes, prescription diet, and regular blood tests. That works out to roughly £1,000–£1,800 per year. Initial diagnosis and stabilisation adds £500–£1,500 in the first few months. Complications like cataracts or DKA can add several thousand pounds.

Can diabetes in dogs be cured?

In most cases, no. Dogs typically develop Type 1 diabetes, meaning their pancreas can no longer produce insulin. This requires lifelong insulin injections. In rare cases where diabetes is caused by another condition (such as Cushing’s disease or progesterone-related diabetes in unspayed females), treating the underlying cause can sometimes resolve the diabetes.

How long can a diabetic dog live?

With proper management, many diabetic dogs live 2–5 years or more after diagnosis, which can mean a normal lifespan if diagnosed in middle age. The key is consistent twice-daily insulin, a stable diet, regular monitoring, and prompt treatment of any complications. Dogs that are well controlled can enjoy an excellent quality of life.

Is it difficult to give a dog insulin injections?

Most owners find it much easier than expected. Insulin needles are very small, and dogs generally tolerate the injections well – many barely notice. Your vet or veterinary nurse will teach you the technique and give you practice before you start at home. Within a week or two, most owners are confident and it becomes part of the daily routine.